Simmering Pot Recipe (Stovetop Potpourri)

This Simmering Pot Recipe is so easy and makes the house smell super festive and cozy. The combo of evergreen rosemary, bright orange, tart cranberries, licorice-y star anise, and spicy ginger make an especially good Christmastime simmer pot, but honestly, I love these ingredients all fall and winter along!

If you’re looking for an easy, unique homemade holiday gift, just throw the ingredients for a simmer pot into cellophane bags and tie with twine or ribbon. It’s a thoughtful – yet frugal! – way to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Or that you think their house stinks, but, uh, that might be a convo for another day.

What is a Simmer Pot?

A simmering pot (also called a simmer pot or stovetop potpourri) is a ridiculously easy, all-natural way to make your home smell amazing!

It’s simply a pot of water filled with ingredients that smell terrific when heated, such as fresh citrus, cinnamon sticks, spices, and herbs. You gently simmer them on the stovetop and the aromas spread throughout your home. I love the coziness a simple simmer pot can bring to the home.

I also love how easy simmering pot recipes are to customize! You can go warm and spicy with cinnamon and cloves, fresh and citrusy with lemon and rosemary, or sweet and cozy with apples and vanilla.

Stovetop potpourri is a really simple, inexpensive way to give your home a welcoming scent, especially during the fall and holiday seasons.

Ingredients for My Favorite Simmering Pot Recipe

I love these ingredients for the perfect Christmas simmer pot.

Orange – I like Navel or Cara Cara. Cara Cara are especially nice because of their coral color.

Fresh cranberries – For festive color and they smell amazing.

Fresh rosemary sprigs – If you don’t have any fresh rosemary on hand, you can use a tablespoon or two of dried.

Ginger – Just a few slices of fresh ginger make a huge difference.

Star anise – The warm, vaguely licorice flavor of star anise gives off a wonderful seasonal scent.

More Simmer Pot Ideas

Winter Simmer Pot

Nutmeg, cinnamon, fresh oranges slices, apples, sprig of a non-toxic evergreen tree like spruce, pine, douglas fir, cedar, or juniper

Apple Cinnamon Simmer Pot

Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, lemon slices

Lemon Lavender Simmer Pot

Lemon slices, fresh lavender sprigs or a couple of tablespoons of dried lavender buds, vanilla extract

Gingerbread Simmer Pot

Fresh ginger slices, cinnamon, orange slices, star anise, whole allspice, vanilla extract

Williams Sonoma Simmer Pot

Fresh lemon slices, rosemary, vanilla extract, peppercorns

Spring Simmer Pot

Lemon, grapefruit, thyme, vanilla extract

How to Make It

Add all of the ingredients, including water, to a large pot or Dutch oven.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Enjoy the fragrance as it spreads throughout your home!

And from the obvious police, don’t leave the house or go to bed! You don’t want to leave something on your stove unattended.

Tips for Success

Keep your stovetop potpourri at a simmer. The key is to keep it at a low simmer rather than a rolling boil. A gentle simmer produces steady steam and fragrance without evaporating the water too quickly.

A quick simmer pot safety note: Keep your simmering pot on low heat, add more water as needed, and never leave it unattended. Turn off the burner before leaving the house or going to bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use scraps in a simmering pot?

Absolutely! Simmering pots are a great way to use up fruit and vegetable scraps that might otherwise go into the compost. Orange peels, lemon peels, apple cores, and even leftover slices of fresh ginger can all add fragrance. I especially love citrus scraps because their peels contain fragrant oils that help give a simmer pot its fresh, bright scent.

Can I use dried fruit in a simmering pot?

Yes! Dried fruit works well in simmering pots and is a convenient option when fresh fruit isn’t on hand. Dried fruit releases its fragrance as it rehydrates in the simmering water. You may need to add a little extra water as it cooks, since dried fruit absorbs some of the liquid. Dried fruit simmer pots are great for gifting, too, as they don’t need to be used right away. Try dried orange slices, apple rings, or lemon slices combined with dried herbs/spices like cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, or peppercorns.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

You bet. Dried rosemary, thyme, and other aromatic herbs can be used in place of fresh herbs. Start with a smaller amount – about 1/3 of what you would have used fresh – since dried herbs are more concentrated and can sometimes produce a stronger, earthier scent.

How long can I simmer a potpourri pot?

You can simmer your potpourri for several hours, as long as you keep an eye on it and replenish the water as it evaporates. Keep the heat on low and never allow the pot to boil dry. Turn off the burner before leaving home or going to bed – never leave a simmer pot unattended!

Can I reuse a simmering pot?

You can reuse the same ingredients for another day or two, although the fragrance will gradually fade. Once the mixture has cooled, cover and refrigerate it if you plan to use it again, then reheat the next day. Discard it, of course, if it develops an “off” smell or shows any signs of spoilage.

Can I make a simmering pot in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the fresh ingredients in a cellophane bag, mason jar, or another airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to use them. This is also a fun idea for homemade holiday gifts. For a shelf-stable gift, use dried fruit and dried herbs instead.

Can I drink the water from a simmering pot?

No, please don’t! Simmering pot mixtures are intended for fragrance, not for drinking.

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